#1 for weeks of July 10, 17, 24, 31, and August 7, 14, and 21st, 1961.
Here we have the most dominant chart topper for the year, a full 7 weeks at #1. Now for a pleasant surprise - It's not a dance specific song, it's not a teen idol, and it's most certainly not easy listening. No, Bobby Lewis' "Tossin' And Turnin" is pure rock and roll, and it sure rocks!
What makes this song such a great listen is the fact that it is very musically and lyrically full of hooks. Just after the opening "I couldn't sleep at all last night", the music punches in with full backing vocals and a rich rock arrangement. It never loses any energy and even the bridge of the song with its stop and start rhythm adds some nice musical tension to the piece.
While the guitar in the song never gets to do any soloing, it certainly is very prominent. The solo section certainly sounds unique with a simultaneous sax and what appears to be a very distorted Hammond organ. Bobby Lewis' vocal also is what helps make this song. He has a very rhythm and blues vocal style which gives "Tossin' and Turnin" a nice filet of soul.
The record buyers in 1961 must have been impressed too, as not only was this an aforementioned #1 for 7 weeks, it was also voted record of the year. While I personally feel that a few other songs from this year rank higher, I still would certainly put this song high up on top.
Final Verdict - A Rock and Roll number with lots of soul in the music and vocal performance. A deserved #1 smash hit which I'd certainly want to hear again and again.
Coming Up Next - "Wooden Heart" by Joe Dowell.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock, and I couldn't sleep at all last night.
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